The climate activists hit the painting “Venus with mirror” with small hammers. Photos show that the protective glass was punctured with several blows.
The group says the attack on the National Gallery in London should be seen as a demand for the UK government to immediately stop all exploration, development and production of fossil fuels in the country.
The group has led several similar attacks on famous works of art and public buildings
According to the organization, the activists chose Velázquez’s painting because it was also attacked in 1914 in the name of the suffragette movement.
— Women did not get the right to vote by voting. It is time for actions, not words, said the climate activists in the gallery.
The National Gallery said in a statement that two people had been arrested. The painting has been removed from the exhibition for investigation.